Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Uses real pumpkin puree for a richer, more authentic flavor.
Easily customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.
Quick and easy to make at home with common ingredients.
Cozy and comforting—perfect for chilly mornings or afternoons.
Tastes even better than the coffee shop version, and it’s more affordable too.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
Strong brewed coffee or espresso
Milk (dairy or plant-based)
Vanilla extract
Sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, or preferred substitute)
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Directions

Brew strong coffee or prepare a shot of espresso.
In a small saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and sweetener over medium heat. Stir and cook until hot and fragrant.
Add milk and vanilla extract to the pan, whisking until warm and well combined. Do not let it boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the brewed coffee or espresso.
Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spice if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 large latte or 2 small
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Make it dairy-free with almond, oat, or soy milk.
Add a splash of caramel syrup for a dessert-like twist.
Reduce sweetener for a lower-sugar option.
Use cold brew and serve over ice for an iced version.
Stir in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

The pumpkin-spiced milk mixture can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before combining with fresh coffee.
Avoid storing the full latte (with coffee mixed in) as it’s best made fresh for optimal taste and texture.

FAQs

What kind of pumpkin should I use?

Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugar and spices.

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, just make it strong so the coffee flavor comes through the milk and pumpkin.

How can I make this less sweet?

Reduce the sweetener to your preference or use a sugar-free option like stevia or monk fruit.

Can I use store-bought pumpkin spice mix?

Yes, or make your own using a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (plus ginger if desired).

Can I make this in the microwave?

Yes, you can warm the pumpkin, spices, sweetener, and milk in the microwave, then stir in coffee.

What milk works best?

Any milk works—whole milk gives the creamiest result, but oat or almond milk are great dairy-free options.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just scale all ingredients proportionally and adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this good iced?

Yes, let the pumpkin-milk mixture cool, then mix with cold coffee and pour over ice.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the pumpkin milk base in advance and store it. Mix with coffee just before serving.

Is whipped cream necessary?

Not at all—it’s optional. The latte is delicious on its own, but whipped cream adds an indulgent touch.

Conclusion

This homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte brings the essence of fall to your kitchen with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, sweet or subtly spiced, it’s a delicious way to indulge in the season’s favorite flavors without leaving home.